The month in review. As April drew to a close the Nevada Dusters were the talk of baseball world. A team without marquee players had won 21 of 27 games, earning first place in the National League. When asked the secrets of the team's success, GM Conn Hudson didn't hesitate. "It's no secret," he said. "It starts with great pitching. We have a good starting rotation and a good bullpen." The Dusters had held their April opponents to 78 runs -- while scoring 138. The Nevada team ERA was 2.64, the lowest in the majors. In Ben Naylor's view, the Dusters actually had six first-rate starters -- Barber, Horlen, McNally, Downing, Richert and Siebler. "That's a luxury most clubs don't enjoy," said Nails. Those six pitchers had a combined won-lost record of 13-and-5. The bullpen of DeBusschere, Dailey, Duliba, Raymond and Reniff had a combined won-lost record of 8-and-1, and Reniff had 12 saves to his credit. Reniff's ERA was 1.08 (16.2 innings), Raymond's was 1.69 (10.2 innings), and Dailey's was 1.06 (17 innings). The other key element, according to Hudson, was great hitting, particularly by the five players who usually occupied the top half of the lineup -- Lee Maye (.300, 2, 15), Jim Fregosi (.327, 1, 11), Billy Williams (.306, 4, 18), Jerry Adair (.293, 7, 25) and Albie Pearson (.292, 7, 16). The Dusters had a potent bench thanks to George Banks (.286, 2, 8), who could play both outfield and third base, and Vic Power (.259, 2, 8), who could play any infield position. The Dusters had hit 32 home runs and stolen 19 bases in April. It was an outstanding beginning, and one that exceeded everyone's expectations. Both Hudson and Naylor warned against overconfidence. "It's a long campaign," said Hudson, "and it won't be a bed of roses." But no one could deny that the Nevada Dusters had started off on the right foot.